Looking Ahead – Needs Survey for Future Funding
Public water providers plan, design, construct and operate their systems over decades-long life cycles. Capital investments in treatment facilities and collection and distribution networks often cost tens of millions of dollars and take several years to plan, design and build. A critical part of life-cycle management is understanding the condition of your various infrastructure assets. Sharing this information, and your expected needs, with the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) makes a stronger case for funding that helps New Hampshire municipalities provide critical water services to their communities.
The NHDES Wastewater Engineering Bureau is collecting and compiling information to support the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2022 Clean Watersheds Needs Survey. EPA uses the survey results to allocate federal funds to states through grant and loan programs. This is an opportunity to showcase significant need for funding wastewater infrastructure in New Hampshire!
NHDES starts the needs assessment process by reviewing their files and community web sites. They may then contact town staff involved in public water loan and grant applications to estimate the type and amount of infrastructure investment that is required. They may also call if no documented needs are identified, to confirm nothing important is missed.
The deadline for NHDES to submit this information to EPA is February 28, 2023 – your community may be contacted before then to share information about your wastewater infrastructure needs and help bring much-needed federal funding to New Hampshire.
Questions? Contact:
Eliza J. Styczynski, EIT, Sustainability Engineer
Planning, Protection and Assistance Section
Wastewater Engineering Bureau, Water Division, NHDES
29 Hazen Drive, PO Box 95, Concord, NH 03302
Tel: (603) 271-1989 | Fax: (603) 271-4128
Asset Management | NH Department of Environmental Services
Win with Water! is an informational series to raise awareness and provide actionable steps to public water system managers, administrators, and policy makers.